Canadian Ladies 2017-18 season news & updates

[BittyBug]

Re Gabby Daleman - I'm not sure if this is a sponsorship or cause (or both) for Gabby, but she is promoting vegan winter outerwear.

Cool video featuring Gabby: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWbDj2Sv88Y

The company's website with Gabby on homepage: https://www.wullyouterwear.com

Each animal-friendly parka represents 10+ animal lives saved.

 

[aftershocks]

Kaetlyn Osmond was clearly the class of the field at Skate Canada. The judges seemed to be reserving scores for top skaters somewhat in the sp. But my goodness, in the fp all the skaters did the damage to themselves -- so many URs, downgrades, lost points and splats. It almost seemed contagious. However, I was very surprised to see Kaetlyn fall twice and double a jump skating second to last. The path was wide open for Kaetlyn. Everyone had taken themselves out right and left in one or both programs.

I think Kaetlyn should think about trying to make a statement that she's in it this season to challenge Medvedeva for Olympic gold, not to back her way into an Olympic silver medal. With the way this competition went, it seems to me that aside from Medvedeva, Worlds and Olympics silver and bronze medals are up for grabs via a process of attrition and default. I'd hate to see that. All ladies, not just the U.S. ladies, need to step it up big time. Kaetlyn's Swan Lake can really be an OGM winner but she's got to stay on an even keel and not make silly mistakes. However, she certainly skated brilliantly enough to win in what turned out to be a sad field at SC. Oh well, do better in the fp next time Kaetlyn!

I feel sorry for Japanese ladies who seem to have a bit more depth right now with Mai, Wakaba, Sakamoto, Miyahara if she's healthy, and Marin if she gets herself together consistently. But only two of them can make the Olympic team for Japan. It seems to me that the way Alaine Chartrand is skating, Canada is the country that needs to extend their 3rd ladies spot to Japan (), not the U.S., as some fans have dismissively suggested.

 

[ChiquitaBanana]

I think Kaetlyn should think about trying to make a statement that she's in it this season to challenge Medvedeva for Olympic gold, not to back her way into an Olympic silver medal. With the way this competition went, it seems to me that aside from Medvedeva, Worlds and Olympics silver and bronze medals are up for grabs via a process of attrition and default.

Do you truly think she did this on purpose?

 

[coppertop1]

And giving up that third berth because we don't have a strong third lady and give it to another country is a horrible attitude and a ridiculous idea. Kaetlyn ant Gabrielle earned three berths. They laid it down when it counted. How about giving skaters more than one event before being so negative?

 

[dramagrrl]

Uhhh, can we give up our third ladies spot to our men? At least we'd keep it in Canada then and there are so many men who would be more deserving (IMO) of a place on the Olympic team than whatever woman manages to fall least and get the third ladies' spot.

(As for giving skaters more than one event before being so negative, I've given Alaine Chartrand many, many more chances than one event and I'm sorry, but I just don't think she's Olympic calibre. As for Austman, I haven't seen that much of her, but from what I have seen, I think she'd be lucky to make the LP cut at Olys/Worlds if she were sent to either competition.)

 

[puglover]

I thought one of the huge advantages of being able to send 3 skaters or teams in a discipline to Worlds or the Olympics is getting more out to experience the big, big competitions with a view to the future. I am not sure what you actually mean by Olympic calibre. Alaine has been a Canadian champion, skated better then an injured Gabby when Kaetlyn was not at Worlds, and was great at Canadians last year with two terrific skates. She may not be on the Olympic team but finally Canada has 3 spots which is great for women's skating.

 

[aftershocks]

Do you truly think she did this on purpose?

Who said that Kaetlyn made mistakes on purpose? Obviously, Kaetlyn was far from alone. It was like there were banana peels on the ice during the men's and ladies comps especially!

It's just anathema apparently to say anything that's not totally and completely always perceived as positive and sympathetic toward Canadian skaters. I want Kaetlyn to win OGM over Medvedeva, so why are you being so sensitive? The funny thing is how everyone loves hanging out in U.S. ladies thread critiquing U.S. ladies, but fans are so uber-sensitive over here.

So many skaters were falling all over the place and popping jumps at Skate Canada. It was like some kind of virus. Lighten up! If you want Kaetlyn to win, tough love is better than coddling. Like I said, all ladies need to step it up. Kaetlyn has the goods, and she didn't skate too badly here. There was brilliance aside from the two silly falls and the pop. No skater makes mistakes intentionally. No skater's legs give way intentionally. It's not an easy sport. Kaetlyn's Swan Lake has the potential to bring down the house in Pyeongchang. But she's got to take command, and I hope she does quickly grow into more confidence and strength going forward.

And giving up that third berth because we don't have a strong third lady and give it to another country is a horrible attitude and a ridiculous idea...

And once again par for the course re everyone taking exception to a comment that's been made a number of times in U.S. ladies thread by fans from other countries. Obviously, it's not meant seriously by anyone because that's not how skater selection happens. The comment is relevant to the fact that Alaine will need to step up her fitness and competitiveness. Or else some other hungry Canadian lady will be taking that third spot over her. The situation regarding the three spots and Alaine's poor showing at SC was also commented on by one of the broadcasters when Alaine was waiting for her marks in the kiss 'n cry. Again, some Canadian fans are always so sensitive to criticism, but don't mind meting it out themselves.

 

[RoseRed]

Who said that Kaetlyn made mistakes on purpose? Obviously, Kaetlyn was far from alone. It was like there were banana peels on the ice during the men's and ladies comps especially!

It's just anathema apparently to say anything that's not totally and completely always perceived as positive and sympathetic toward Canadian skaters. I want Kaetlyn to win OGM over Medvedeva, so why are you being so sensitive? The funny thing is how everyone loves hanging out in U.S. ladies thread critiquing U.S. ladies, but fans are so uber-sensitive over here.

So many skaters were falling all over the place and popping jumps at Skate Canada. It was like some kind of virus. Lighten up! If you want Kaetlyn to win, tough love is better than coddling. Like I said, all ladies need to step it up. Kaetlyn has the goods, and she didn't skate too badly here. There was brilliance aside from the two silly falls and the pop. No skater makes mistakes intentionally. No skater's legs give way intentionally. It's not an easy sport. Kaetlyn's Swan Lake has the potential to bring down the house in Pyeongchang. But she's got to take command, and I hope she does quickly grow into more confidence and strength going forward.



And once again par for the course re everyone taking exception to a comment that's been made a number of times in U.S. ladies thread by fans from other countries. Obviously, it's not meant seriously by anyone because that's not how skater selection happens. The comment is relevant to the fact that Alaine will need to step up her fitness and competitiveness. Or else some other hungry Canadian lady will be taking that third spot over her. The situation regarding the three spots and Alaine's poor showing at SC was also commented on by one of the broadcasters when Alaine was waiting for her marks in the kiss 'n cry. Again, some Canadian fans are always so sensitive to criticism, but don't mind meting it out themselves.

I assume the "do you think she did it on purpose?" comes from you saying that she "should think about trying to make a statement," as if it was just a decision she hasn't made. She obviously knows what she needs to do to set herself up well, but executing is easier said than done.

And as for the whole giving the Olympic spot, I get your point about there being less depth in the Canadian ladies. I think people mention the US spot more because the American ladies just managed to get to 3 (the last country to do it), whereas with two Canadian ladies medalling, they did it very easily. Anyways, no one is giving Japan another spot, so it doesn't matter in the end.

 

[aftershocks]

^^ Of course @RoseRed no one is giving Japanese ladies an extra spot, but everyone from Dave Lease to Jackie Wong to your average fan have been commenting on wishing the Japanese ladies had a third spot. Of course such sympathetic commentary fails to fully acknowledge how the spot was unfortunately given up via bad luck (Miyahara's injury) and poor performances by Japanese ladies at 2017 Worlds.

My phrasing "she should think about" is simply a figure of speech, and it doesn't matter in the end either. What's going to matter is inside the heart and guts of each athlete. Again, some fans should lighten up and roll with the punches. Athletes know how to do that better than us. We all call them out on occasion, sometimes to a fault, because we are disappointed for them. I'm sure that Kaetlyn knows what she needs to do, and it's always easier knowing than doing.

 

[Winnipeg]

KO Was fantastic IMHO.

No one makes mistakes on purpose GMAB

 

[mag]

I have been giving some thought to Olympic spots and I really hope that this competition has made it clear to Skate Canada that they should be wide open to looking beyond the usual suspects when it comes to the third ladies spot. Both Chartrand and Austman are unlikely to be around in 2022. Both have been competing for a number of years and what they put out this past weekend is pretty much par for the course. Chartrand has had some strong skates in the past, but they appear to be getting farther apart. Austman is usually good for one okay early season skate in a weak field and then does enough at Nationals where she is held up with PCS. Neither seem to be pushing themselves by going out early in the season and seeking out tough competition in the US to help build stronger competitive skills.

We have a bunch of up and comming skaters for whom a trip to the Olympics with no pressure would be a fantastic development opportunity. Much like what Gabby experienced in Sochi. For those who say the Olympics aren’t for development, well, they shouldn’t be a long service award either. If I have to choose between the two (which I suspect is what SC will have to do) I would go with development. We are fortunate to have two Olympic veterans who are also world medalists. Look towards the future SC and send someone in the third spot who is pushing hard and showing the kind of potential for improvements that could make them a contender in 2022.

 

[kwanfan1818]

I don't disagree if a skater really shines, but not if it's a guess, because McLeod always seems to win that game, for some inexplicable reason, clearly not solid technique

Watching Chartrand and Austman, I fir a moment wished Lacoste would make a last-minute comeback, just because.

ETA: this late in the game during an Olympic season without published guidelines, however squirrelly, there would be an implosion.

 

[danafan]

With three spots I was really hoping to see Chartrand skate with more freedom this season. I mean she doesn't have to beat Osmond or Daleman to make the Olympic team. She's been my favourite since the 2012-2013 season and it's so sad to see her struggle when you know what she's capable of (ie her short program at 2015 cup of Russia and her free at 2016 nationals).

I hope they just take the top three at nationals. It wouldn't surprise me if Daleman and Osmond were named to the team prior to nationals (the selection criteria allows for this).

I think they should have had a skate off of some sort for the Skate Canada host pick and I have to wonder how Pineault would have done there.

Anyway as of now the following are eligible for the Olympics based on TES minimums:

Austman, Chartrand, Daleman, Long, Omsond, Pineault, and Tamura.

Best wishes to Emy Decelles as she prepares for the Warsaw Cup. Let's hope she gets the TES minimums there so she can throw her name into the mix.

 

[mag]

I don't disagree if a skater really shines, but not if it's a guess, because McLeod always seems to win that game, for some inexplicable reason, clearly not solid technique

Watching Chartrand and Austman, I fir a moment wished Lacoste would make a last-minute comeback, just because.

I am confused by your reference to McLeod?

 

[coppertop1]

I have been giving some thought to Olympic spots and I really hope that this competition has made it clear to Skate Canada that they should be wide open to looking beyond the usual suspects when it comes to the third ladies spot. Both Chartrand and Austman are unlikely to be around in 2022. Both have been competing for a number of years and what they put out this past weekend is pretty much par for the course. Chartrand has had some strong skates in the past, but they appear to be getting farther apart. Austman is usually good for one okay early season skate in a weak field and then does enough at Nationals where she is held up with PCS. Neither seem to be pushing themselves by going out early in the season and seeking out tough competition in the US to help build stronger competitive skills.

We have a bunch of up and comming skaters for whom a trip to the Olympics with no pressure would be a fantastic development opportunity. Much like what Gabby experienced in Sochi. For those who say the Olympics aren’t for development, well, they shouldn’t be a long service award either. If I have to choose between the two (which I suspect is what SC will have to do) I would go with development. We are fortunate to have two Olympic veterans who are also world medalists. Look towards the future SC and send someone in the third spot who is pushing hard and showing the kind of potential for improvements that could make them a contender in 2022.

I was thinking the same thing. If I were an official in Skate Canada, I'd be feeling ambivalent about sending Chartrand or Austman unless they get their act together. We have so many hungry, talented youngsters. Why not send one of them? The Olympics is often for development with many young athletes. The focus will be on Kaetlyn and Gabby. There will not be the pressure on the third skater. Skate Canada needs to look to the future.

 

[kwanfan1818]

I am confused by your reference to McLeod?

Were they to bypass #3 or #4 at Can Nats and choose a younger skater, I fear it would be one if hers with substandard technique.

 

[mag]

I was thinking the same thing. If I were an official in Skate Canada, I'd be feeling ambivalent about sending Chartrand or Austman unless they get their act together. We have so many hungry, talented youngsters. Why not send one of them? The Olympics is often for development with many young athletes. The focus will be on Kaetlyn and Gabby. There will not be the pressure on the third skater. Skate Canada needs to look to the future.

Pinneault has a 3/3 in the short and I think would have made better use of the opportunity than
Austman to skate at Skate Canada. I am totally confused by Austman’s meltdown. Given where she is in the standings, she should have just been able to go out and skate. Barring some complete meltdown by another competitor she was likely to be last. No shame in that, just use the experience and show the judges what you can do.

ETA: clarity

 

[googooeyes]

Hannah Dawson won the Golden Bear in Croatia. Lisa Anne McGaghey was 6th. I'm happy to see we are getting our Juniors some experience.

 

[kwanfan1818]

Barring some complete meltdown by another competitor she was likely to be last. No shame in that, just use the experience and show the judges what you can do.

TV?

 

[Sylvia]

Hannah Dawson won the Golden Bear in Croatia. Lisa Anne McGaghey was 6th. I'm happy to see we are getting our Juniors some experience.

Photos on Dawson's FB page (with coach Annie Barabe): https://www.facebook.com/HannahDaws...312302377826/1480992381976480/?type=3&theater

Golden Bear Junior Ladies results:
1 Hannah DAWSON CAN 146.70 1 2
6 Lissa-Anne MCGAGHEY CAN 135.51 6 4

SP protocols: http://www.kkkmedvescak.hr/images/ZM29/JuniorLadies_SP_Scores.pdf
FS protocols: http://www.kkkmedvescak.hr/images/ZM29/JuniorLadies_FS_Scores.pdf

 

[barbarafan]

With three spots I was really hoping to see Chartrand skate with more freedom this season. I mean she doesn't have to beat Osmond or Daleman to make the Olympic team. She's been my favourite since the 2012-2013 season and it's so sad to see her struggle when you know what she's capable of (ie her short program at 2015 cup of Russia and her free at 2016 nationals).

I hope they just take the top three at nationals. It wouldn't surprise me if Daleman and Osmond were named to the team prior to nationals (the selection criteria allows for this).

I think they should have had a skate off of some sort for the Skate Canada host pick and I have to wonder how Pineault would have done there.

Anyway as of now the following are eligible for the Olympics based on TES minimums:

Austman, Chartrand, Daleman, Long, Omsond, Pineault, and Tamura.

Best wishes to Emy Decelles as she prepares for the Warsaw Cup. Let's hope she gets the TES minimums there so she can throw her name into the mix.

I do love Alaine and she looks really healthy but it was not a good outing. Early in the season. On the other hand I think Emy Decelles is so light and beautiful on the ice and I love her jumps. I am thrilled she is going to Warsaw.

 

[ChiquitaBanana]

^^ Of course @RoseRed

My phrasing "she should think about" is simply a figure of speech, and it doesn't matter in the end either. What's going to matter is inside the heart and guts of each athlete. Again, some fans should lighten up and roll with the punches. Athletes know how to do that better than us. We all call them out on occasion, sometimes to a fault, because we are disappointed for them. I'm sure that Kaetlyn knows what she needs to do, and it's always easier knowing than doing.

Words written bear meaning. You should rework your figures of speech so we get clearly you point. And I would have you called you out on this one for any mentionned skater. It is not a matter of sensitive fans. It is a matter of knowing the game. You sound like a
80’s hockey coach.

 

[ChiquitaBanana]

Third spot? I’d go with Pineault. At least she has great interpelling programs.

 

[aftershocks]

Words written bear meaning. You should rework your figures of speech so we get clearly you point. And I would have you called you out on this one for any mentionned skater. It is not a matter of sensitive fans. It is a matter of knowing the game. You sound like a
80’s hockey coach.

Come again?

 

[aftershocks]

KO Was fantastic IMHO.

No one makes mistakes on purpose GMAB

Oh, KO showed brilliance alright, and she looks ready. And she's seemed to be confident. But hey, no one is going to beat Med at the Olympics with two silly falls and a pop in the fp. Not that I expect that scenario will happen to Kaetlyn when the Olympic stage time comes. She weathered through the jitters at 2017 Worlds under pressure, so at least she has that testing experience under her belt to reference and bolster her. Plus she's been to the Olympics before too, and that's also a bonus. It don't matter that no skater 'makes mistakes on purpose.' Who said that's what they do? Ice is slippery and luck is a factor, as well as determination and preparedness.

GMAB. You guys indeed can't stand nary a critical word or the slightest perceived hint of criticism of your fave Canadian skaters. And good for you for how much you love Canadian skaters who deserve your adoration. But sensitive you are. KO has the power and talent to do it so relax already.

 

[ChiquitaBanana]

Oh, KO showed brilliance alright, and she looks ready. And she's seemed to be confident. But hey, no one is going to beat Med at the Olympics with two silly falls and a pop in the fp. Not that I expect that scenario will happen to Kaetlyn when the Olympic stage time comes. She weathered through the jitters at 2017 Worlds under pressure, so at least she has that testing experience under her belt to reference and bolster her. Plus she's been to the Olympics before too, and that's also a bonus. It don't matter that no skater 'makes mistakes on purpose.' Who said that's what they do? Ice is slippery and luck is a factor, as well as determination and preparedness.

I saw improvements in Kaetlyn’s jumps. She is now learning to compete as a real contender. It is not a training one can get as a Canadian with not much conpetition at home, not like the Japanese or th3 Russian kill-it-all women. The environment breeds the skaters. So Osmond is learning something other girls have already been exposed. Any performer would like great performancs to get as easily as your posts seem to imply. Apart from Medvedeva who is truly blessed in many aspects who among the ladies field have been as consistent?

 

[aftershocks]

I saw improvements in Kaetlyn’s jumps. She is now learning to compete as a real contender. It is not a training one can get as a Canadian with not much conpetition at home, not like the Japanese or th3 Russian kill-it-all women. The environment breeds the skaters. So Osmond is learning something other girls have already been exposed. Any performer would like great performancs to get as easily as your posts seem to imply. Apart from Medvedeva who is truly blessed in many aspects who among the ladies field have been as consistent?

But you are being over-sensitive of me voicing my opinions, which in fact are admiring, realistic, and objective. Kaetlyn has come a long way, and kudos to her for weathering those injury ups-and-downs and her nerves. Whether or not Kaetlyn has had a lot of competition on her home turf (and she has from Gabby and previously from Alaine), she's definitely been on the international scene for awhile and she's competed against the best in the world, as a viable contender too.

So you certainly don't need to coddle Kaetlyn or over-protectively make excuses for her. She needs none of that. She's all grown up and a tough competitor in her own right. In any case, none of my posts have suggested that anything is 'easy' in figure skating.

 

[ChiquitaBanana]

But you are being over-sensitive of me voicing my opinions, which in fact are admiring, realistic, and objective. Kaetlyn has come a long way, and kudos to her for weathering those injury ups-and-downs and her nerves. Whether or not Kaetlyn has had a lot of competition on her home turf (and she has from Gabby and previously from Alaine), she's definitely been on the international scene for awhile and she's competed against the best in the world, as a viable contender too.

So you certainly don't need to coddle Kaetlyn or over-protectively make excuses for her. She needs none of that. She's all grown up and a tough competitor in her own right. In any case, none of my posts have suggested that anything is 'easy' in figure skating.

Could you stop telling me how I feel? That's your perception of my posts. You don't know it all much more than me. Learn to be humble.

You have different standards for different skater. I don't want you to agree with me, but don't put extrameaning to my writtings.

 

[AxelAnnie]

Oh, KO showed brilliance alright, and she looks ready. And she's seemed to be confident. But hey, no one is going to beat Med at the Olympics with two silly falls and a pop in the fp. Not that I expect that scenario will happen to Kaetlyn when the Olympic stage time comes. She weathered through the jitters at 2017 Worlds under pressure, so at least she has that testing experience under her belt to reference and bolster her. Plus she's been to the Olympics before too, and that's also a bonus. It don't matter that no skater 'makes mistakes on purpose.' Who said that's what they do? Ice is slippery and luck is a factor, as well as determination and preparedness.

GMAB. You guys indeed can't stand nary a critical word or the slightest perceived hint of criticism of your fave Canadian skaters. And good for you for how much you love Canadian skaters who deserve your adoration. But sensitive you are. KO has the power and talent to do it so relax already.

Oh I can stand a critical word
..and there was much to criticize last weekend

However I do think there is a fair chance that No could beat Medvedeva. That OLY i e is very slippery
...ask Lip or Kwan...both favorites to win.

 

[Rock2]

I think all agree this was Chartrand's slot to lose and boy is she trying to lose it.
Somehow though I think she's hanging on.

Austman's performance at SC is not a surprise. She tends to melt under the spotlight and has a lot of work ahead to learn to compete. Her spring international and 2017 Nationals performance put her name in the mix, but I'm sure SC eyes are turning away from her for this year given her season to date.

If SC looks at body of work over two full seasons then we can point to Alaine's scores over 180 at ACI and SC last year. I'm not sure what the next best is at an international senior event. I'm guessing Austman last spring but I'm not a big enough nerd to do the analysis. Pineault was probably close to that at SLC.

I think if Alaine can get herself together for NHK and pull another 180 she could get sent to Korea with even a top 5 at Nationals, conceivably. If she spirals (in a bad way) then I'd say all bets are off and Nationals just may decide it. Alaine: it's go time!